General Forums >> Photography Bistro >> What is a good camera to learn with ?
What is a good camera to learn with ?
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Posted 6 months ago I have a small compact camera, but want to upgrade eventually to another camera. I would still like it to be easy to use, since I am still learning. What do all you experts recommend ? :) Always Remember A Smile Doesn't Cost Anything. |
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| Posted 6 months ago film or digital?
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| Posted 6 months ago Flexibility....a good learning camera should have the option to switch to manual settings to give you control over things like ISO, Shutter speed, f-stops...and I think manual focus. I would still say the Nikon FM2 is by far the best camera to learn on for that reason...even if it is film. Digital cameras don't let you control the variables as much unless you want to spend a fortune. |
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| Posted 6 months ago It would be digital. Always Remember A Smile Doesn't Cost Anything. |
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| Posted 6 months ago Thanks for the helpful tips. :) Always Remember A Smile Doesn't Cost Anything. |
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| Posted 5 months ago ask lots of relatives, they tend to have old cameras they don't use anymore... |
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| Posted 5 months ago "Flexibility….a good learning camera should have the option to switch to manual settings to give you control over things like ISO, Shutter speed, f-stops…and I think manual focus." This advice I heartily agree with. As for the camera, if you are going to spend the money in the first place, you might as week get something that you can grow with as you learn. I recommend canon's entry level DSLR 40d or even the rebel XT. I can't speak for the rebel, but the 40 allows for both manual control of all aspects as well as a bunch of pre-sets that would allow you to explore making images without the fetters of all those controls. The only thinG I would really recommend is to not skimp on the lenses. I good lens on a digital camera can make a hell of a difference. |
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| Posted 5 months ago I think that the best cameras to learn with are film. That way it is a surprise to see what it is you created, with fim though you want to take notes on your speed, iso, aperature and so on. That way when you get your prints back, you know what adjustments you should make next time. I also tend to agree with Nathan. If you want to grow with your camera a rebel would be a steal, especially since Canon is introducing another enty-level camera, so XT prices will plummet. Anyway, I have an XT and love it. It gives you a fairly wide range of flexibility for an entry-level digital. |
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| Posted 5 months ago Anjela, if you're just getting into photography, start with a FILM camera and master the basics, then transfer to digital ... it'll make the process a lot easier ... well, it did for me, anyway ... If you have a community college or university in the area that has a film processing lab as part of its art department, consider taking a course or two there and learn how to process the film as well - usually you'll only process R-6 (black & white), but some colleges have C-41 (color) capability now, so you'd need to ask what they offer ... the fee's usually pretty nominal for what you get, and the chance to be around someone whose brain is there for the pickin' is a great learning opportunity ... my first camera was an Olympus OM-1 with a 50mm lens - it was great, and you can still find 'em for a pretty reasonable price on today's used camera market ... KEH and B&H are two reputable dealers who carry used stuff ... I din't say you did it ... I said I was going to blame it on you. |
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| Posted 4 months ago The first camera I used was a Pentex K1000 manual all the way.. In my photography class we had to learn on a manual camera which is great because you learn about the apature, shutter speed and so forth.... I have of course, gone on to a digital camera and I love it. |
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| Posted 4 months ago I just bought a Canon Rebel XT @ Robert's in Indianapolis for $399 with @2GB memory card, Canon bag, filter and I can use my lenses from my previous Canon Rebel 35mm. It's a very good camera and at the price it compares to the better point & shoot cameras. Good luck! The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be. Anne Frank |
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| Posted 3 months ago If you really want to learn? Build a pinhole camera, it is a great learning experience. You really have to learn the basic mechanics of a camera, to really understand how it works. Pinhole cameras are easy to make and teach you some of the best things about photography. |
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| Posted 2 months ago I say pick a DSLR that is comfortable to you and just take as many pictures as you can. Start out in Auto mode, where it adjusts everything for you & then you'll find that the more pictures you take, the more you refer to your instructions and the more you'll start stepping into the more manual modes. I shoot two cameras, a Nikon slr and a Leica point & shoot and i shoot the Leica in fully manual mode, but i wouldnt have been able to get to that point if i hadnt taken thousands of pics of anything and everything. film is cool and all, but SLR's use the same terminology and technology for the most part & starting with a film camera will only serve to teach you by costing you money in developing and film costs =) they're fun though.... http://hutmacher.blogspot.com/ |
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| Posted 2 months ago I started with a Pentax K1000, something that's not sold anymore, but you can find them online or through camera retailers. I learned the basics and more with this camera, because it's manual and not a "PHD" (push here, dummy) camera. You learn about all the things an automatic camera does so once you move to that, you understand what is happening. There are lots of cameras out there now, but choose something you feel comfortable with and start snapping away! Have fun!
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